Rated of 5
by Lisa E. (Cincinnati, OH) A Good First Effort
This murder mystery takes place in a Shaker settlement during the late 18th century. The setting makes the story interesting and out-of-the-ordinary, and the solution is both surprising and believable. The writing is slightly awkward, but this is a first novel, and the author will undoubtedly improve as she brings her engaging detective, weaver Will Rees, back for more mystery-solving.
Rated of 5
by Cheryl K. (East Aurora, NY) "Shaky" Mystery
I have so much admiration for a first-time novelist, particularly a mystery writer. Unfortunately, I found the story very difficult to follow. The characters could have been more fully-developed, and seemed to use the same phrases repeatedly. The ending was abrupt and almost contrived. I would not recommend this book to book club friends.
Rated of 5
by Valerie C. (Chico, CA) A good historical fiction/mystery
The setting is the Northeastern US in the late 1700's, the plot involves a series of murders all somehow connected to a Shaker community, and a traveling weaver becomes involved in it all. An easy, pleasurable read with enough complexity and character development to hold interest. I have already passed my copy on to a friend to read - definitely recommended for those with an interest in historical fiction and/or mysteries.
Rated of 5
by Donna N. (casa grande, AZ) An interesting start to a new series
I found this to be a light enjoyable mystery with an interesting setting. The story kept my attention and the characters were ones that I found appealing; however, I did think the characters were more modern than historically accurate. In the beginning I felt that some of the writing was not smooth and the dialog somewhat simple. It would not be on my recommended list, but I would like to see a sequel and would read the next book. I think the author's writing will definitely improve.
Rated of 5
by avid (Springfield, IL) time-waster
This book just seemed way off to me. The historical context was a little shaky, as the book was set in a year when the Shakers may or may not have been a nascent presence in Maine, but surely had not had time to develop the reputation to outsiders that was depicted in the book, nor many of the traditions and organizational hierarchies referenced. Likewise, a pervasive reference to toothpicks being spit out and replaced was distracting, as disposable toothpicks were not invented until the 1830's, about 40 years after the setting in the book.
Historical context aside, I thought the author needlessly developed too many peripheral characters, creating confusion as to their significance. The conflict relating to the main character's sister's family being removed from the farm was never resolved (did they go quietly? did a fight ensue? was a relationship preserved or destroyed?), although the conflict was developed and referenced many times throughout the book.
The ending's social situation was predictable. The convoluted explanation of bloodlines really muddled the whodunit aspect. The plot never pulled me in or held me in suspense. I really had to force myself to finish.
Rated of 5
by Gail L. (Cypress, TX) A Simple Murder by Eleanor Kuhns
I was disappointed with this book for several reasons. First, the writing style is boring. The book is written at a low reading level, appropriate for young readers, but the material is more suitable for adults. I enjoy historical fiction, but I discovered little history in this book. The story was interesting and the Shaker community was reasonably represented. I honestly do not recommend this book for young adults or the mature reader.
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by Lisa E. (Cincinnati, OH) 
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by Cheryl K. (East Aurora, NY) 
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by avid (Springfield, IL) 
